Elements and Performance Criteria
- Plan fumigation
- Determine the need for fumigation as an option within an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Integrated Resource Management (IRM) strategy.
- Determine type of fumigant and application rate
- Select method of fumigant application to suit type of pest and soil or media type
- Assess appropriateness of site and soil conditions for selected fumigation method
- Prepare site for fumigation
- Identify hazards, assess risks and implement control measures in relation to the use of fumigants
- Establish site security measures to control access during fumigation and prescribed re-entry periods
- Set up emergency system
- Prepare soil, measure soil temperature and check soil moisture to ensure that the required concentration of fumigant is retained in the soil for the required period of time
- Prepare application equipment and fumigants
- Select and use appropriate personal protective equipment as per label instructions
- Select application equipment appropriate for the fumigation in accordance with label directions and industry practice
- Check operational effectiveness of fumigation machinery and equipment
- Calibrate fumigation equipment to deliver the correct application rate
- Transport and store fumigants
- Prepare fumigant
- Conduct and monitor fumigation
- Apply fumigant using appropriate equipment and fumigation methods
- Respond to emergency situations using emergency response procedures
- Apply appropriate soil sealing methods to contain fumigant
- Monitor fumigation site during exposure time to prevent unauthorised access
- Aerate soils fully and accurately test for evidence of residual gas by conducting germination test or sowing indicator crop
- Establish re-entry times and control risks to human and animal health
- Notify appropriate personnel of any further risk control measures required
- Ventilate fumigation enclosure if fumigation performed in glasshouse or similar to remove fumigant in safe and controlled manner
- Restore site
- Clean, safety-check and store equipment and fumigants
- Record fumigation details